Tank lid lifter and methods

ABSTRACT

A tank assembly including a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly. The tank defines a tank volume and has an opening defined therein. The lid is sized to cover the opening in sealing engagement with the tank. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator arrangement and a second actuator arrangement. The first actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid into and out of sealing engagement with the tank. The second actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment with the opening, and a second position removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tank assemblies having a removable lid, and more particularly relates to actuator assemblies for use in moving the lid and related methods.

BACKGROUND

The process of fermentation of red wines requires the management of the wine cap. The cap is primarily composed of solid grape skins and grape seeds. For the extraction of color and tannins, the cap must remain in intimate contact with the grape juice. As the wine ferments, carbon dioxide is generated. The carbon dioxide gets trapped in the solids and in turn raises the solids to the top of the juice, thus forming the cap. Typically, the cap rises out of the liquid as the carbon dioxide rises. When the cap is exposed out of the liquid, a combination of acetic bacteria, warmth and oxygen that is present can convert the juice to vinegar in a relatively short time.

Several methods are used to submerge the cap and keep it in contact with the juice. For small batch, premium wines the preferred method is the “punch down” method. The punch down method involves manually punching down the cap into the juice several times per day using a pole with a disk on the end. While the punch down method can be a tedious process, it is also a relatively gentle method as compared to alternative methods, thus causing minimal disturbance to the solids and avoiding the harmful abrasion that can release hard tannins from the outer layer of the skins into the juice.

Typically, exposure of the juice to oxygen in the air is limited by sealing the tank holding the juice with a sealing lid that is positioned on top of the tank. Handling the lid can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive task. Usually two to three people are required to handle a lid needed for a typical sized wine tank (e.g., a 250-1000 gallon tank). Handling the tank can require manually climbing up step ladders, carrying the lid, setting the lid in place, and latching the lid down with a latch mechanism. To punch down the cap, the operators typically climb a step ladder, undo the latch mechanism, remove the lid, carry the lid down, and place the lid on the ground next to the tank while the punch down operation is performed. After the punch down operation is performed, the lid must then be carried up the step ladder, lifted into place over the tank opening, manually aligned with the edge seal, and latched down with the latch mechanism. This process of handling the lid may permit contamination to enter the tank interior as debris off of the top of the lid, debris collected on the sides and bottom of the lid from setting the lid on the ground, and other contaminants collected from excessive handling pass into the tank. This process of handling also requires multiple operators for every punch down operation. Handling a lid manually can also pose a higher safety risk as the punch down operation must be performed several times per day on every tank of wine being fermented.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tank assembly. The tank assembly includes a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly. The tank defines a tank volume and has an opening defined therein. The lid is sized to cover the opening in sealing engagement with the tank. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator arrangement and a second actuator arrangement The first actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid into and out of sealing engagement with the tank. The second actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment with the opening, and a second position removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of opening and closing a tank assembly. The tank assembly includes a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly. The tank has an opening at a top side thereof. The actuator assembly includes at least first and second actuator arrangements. The method includes moving the lid with the first actuator arrangement into and out of sealing engagement with the tank, and moving the lid with the second actuator arrangement between a first position in alignment with the opening and a second position substantially removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example tank assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the example tank assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in a closed state in engagement with the tank.

FIG. 4 is a front view ofthe tank assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in an open state out of engagement with the tank and aligned with the tank opening.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the lid moved laterally out of alignment with the tank opening.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the lid controls of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the lid arranged in alignment with the tank opening.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the lid controls of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 6 with the lid arranged out of alignment with the tank opening.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the pneumatic actuator shown in FIG. 1 prior to being activated to move the lid out of engagement with the tank.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the pneumatic actuator shown in FIG. 4 in an activated state to move the lid out of engagement with the tank.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another example tank assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a first side view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a second side view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to an actuator assembly for use in moving a lid relative to a tank of a tank assembly. The examples referred to herein provide for an apparatus and related methods that permit a single person to lift the lid, move the lid away from obstructing an opening of the tank, and securing the lid in the removed position. With the lid removed out of the way, an operator is able to access the interior of the tank via the tank opening to perform, for example, a punch down operation in a wine making process. When the operator has completed his access to the tank interior, the lid may be moved back into position, self-aligned with the tank opening, and moved into sealing engagement with the tank to close the opening by a single operator.

This process of handling the lid may reduce contamination to the contents ofthe tank because contact with the lid by the operator (i.e., a single operator) may be limited, and thus the lid may remain suspended out of contact with other objects while the tank interior is being accessed by the operator.

The actuator assembly may be operated at least in part using a pneumatic actuator and compressed air supply. Other aspects of the actuator assembly may be activated manually. In some arrangements, some aspects of the actuator may be powered and operated using alternative power sources such as hydraulic or electronic power sources.

When using pneumatics, a small compressed air supply may be provided to the location of the tank and connected at a tank air fitting. In one example, a two-way, normally closed actuator valve may be manually actuated by the operator, allowing the air supply to reach a pneumatic cylinder attached to the lid. The action of the pneumatic cylinder may then lift the lid, freeing the lid from the tank and holding the lid in a raised position.

The pneumatic cylinder may be supported by a support member that may be pivoted or rotated to move the lid away from alignment with the tank opening. A position stop may be used to control the start and end rotated positions of the support member. A locking member may be used to retain the support member in at least the start and end rotated positions. Reverse steps may be taken to reposition and close the lid relative to the tank opening.

An example tank assembly 10 that may include these and related features is shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The tank assembly 10 includes a tank 12, a lid 14, and an actuator assembly 16. The actuator assembly 16 is configured to move the lid 14 relative to an opening in the tank as will be described in further detail below.

The tank 12 includes a top end 20, a bottom end 22 and a sidewall 24 that define an internal volume 30 (see FIG. 7). A top opening 28 is defined by an opening edge 26 at the top end 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 7). As noted above, the tank 12 may retain a volume of grapes in a process for making wine. The tank 12 holds both grape juice as well as grape solids that are separated from the juice. Typically, it is important to be able to access the internal volume 30 of the tank 12 in order to submerge the solids (also referred to as a “cap” of solids) inthejuice on aperiodic basis. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to improved management ofthe lid 14 relative to the top opening 28 to reduce the total amount of time and manual effort involved in accessing the internal volume 30 to submerge the cap during the process of maling wine.

The lid 14 includes a top surface 32, a bottom surface 34 and a peripheral edge 36. In some arrangements, the lid 14 may also include a seal member (not shown) arranged around the peripheral edge 36 or along the bottom surface 34 where the lid 14 mates with the opening edge 26 of the tank 12. In some arrangements, the seal member may be mounted to the tank 12 rather than to the lid 14. Preferably, engagement between the lid 14 and the tank 12 along the opening edge 26 provides sealing engagement. The sealing engagement may be an air-tight seal to help reduce inflow of oxygen into the internal volume 30. The lid 14 may also include a connector 40 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The connector 40 may be used as an interface between the lid 14 and features of the actuator assembly 16.

The lid 14 may generally have a circular shape when viewed from above that corresponds to the generally circular shape of the top opening 28 of the tank 12. In alternative arrangements, the top opening 28 may have alternative shapes and sizes, such as rectangular or oval shapes. The shape of the lid 14 may generally correspond to the shape of the top opening 28. Alternatively, a portion of the lid 14 that is in sealing engagement with the opening edge 26 may have a shape and size that corresponds to the shape and size of the top opening 28, while an exterior or peripheral edge portion ofthe lid may comprise shapes and sizes that are different from the shape and size of the top opening 28.

The lid 14 may include a dome shaped upper surface to reduce collection of moisture and dirt on the lid 14. The bottom surface of the lid 14 may have a dome shape or concave shape.

The size and weight of the lid 14 may be significant in some tank assembly arrangements given the size and volume of the tank 12 and the size and shape of the top opening 28. In one example, the tank 12 may have an internal volume in the range of about 250-2,000 gallons, and more specifically about 600-900 gallons. Further, the tank 12 may comprise ametallic material, such as stainless steal. The lid 14 may comprise a similar material. The actuator assembly 16 described below may be helpful in moving a relatively heavy, large lid 14 into and out of engagement withthe tank 12 and into and out of alignment covering the top opening 28. Further, the actuator assembly may be used with a single operator.

The actuator assembly 16 includes first and second actuator arrangements 42, 44. The first actuator arrangement 42 may comprise a plurality of features that may help to move the lid 14 into and out of engagement with the tank 12. Second actuator assembly 44 may comprise a variety of features that help move the lid, once out of engagement with the tank 12, into and out of a position covering the opening 28.

The first actuator assembly 42 may include an actuator cylinder 46 and a control assembly 48. The actuator cylinder 46 may be positioned adjacent to the top surface 32 of the lid 14. The actuator cylinder 46 is operable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position (see FIG. 10), the lid 14 may be positioned in sealing engagement with the tank 12. The extended position of cylinder 46 may also be referenced as a rest position wherein no application of force or activation of the cylinder 46 is needed in order for the lid 14 to maintain sealing engagement with the tank 12. In the retracted, or activated, position, the cylinder 46 lifts or otherwise moves the lid 14 out of engagement with the tank 12 (see FIG. 11).

The control assembly 48 may be mounted to the tank 12, such as along the sidewall 24 at a location that may be easily accessible by the operator. The control assembly 48 may include a regulator 50, a regulator gauge 52, a regulator adjustor 54, a valve 56, a valve actuator 58, an air supply connector 60, and an air supply 62. The regulator adjustor 54 may be used to adjust the air pressure applied to the cylinder 46 upon opening of the valve 56 with the valve actuator 58. The regulator gauge 52 may provide a visual indicator of the pressure levels. The air supply 62 is attached to the regulator 50 via the air supply connector 60. The air supply connector 60 may be positioned at any desired location, such as at the bottom end 22 of the tank 12 (see FIG. 1). The air supply 62 may be provided from an external air pressure source or may be generated by an air pressure generating unit mounted to the tank assembly 10.

While a pneumatic system is described with reference to tank assembly 10 for the first actuator arrangement 42, other system configurations are possible. For example, a hydraulic supply may be used to actuate the cylinder 46. Alternatively, electrical motors, electronic actuators, and other electronic devices may be used to raise and lower the lid 14 and rotate the lid 14 away from the tank opening 28. For example, an electric linear actuator may be used to raise and lower the lid 14 as described in more detail below with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14. In still further arrangements, a manually activated system may be used in place of a powered device, such as the actuator cylinder 46, motor or other powered device. An example manually activated system may include an assembly of linkage members and may include an eccentric or cam member on a lever that provides a lifting action when manually activated. Another example manually activated system includes a cable with an eccentric on a lever, and activation of the lever manually raises and lowers the lid relative to the tank. Any combination of power supplies and manually activated features may be used to move the lid 14 into and out of engagement with the tank 12.

The second actuator arrangement 44 may include a support arm having first and second segments 72, 74, a collar assembly 76, and an actuator handle 78. The first segment 72 has first and second ends 80, 82 and is arranged generally vertically along the sidewall 24 of the tank 12. The second segment 74 includes first and second ends 84, 86 and is arranged generally horizontally across the top side of the tank 12 and vertically above the lid 14. The first end 80 of the first segment 72 is connected to the second end 86 of the second segment 74. The second end 82 of the first segment 74 is supported at the bottom end 22 of the tank 12. The first segment 72 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends vertically along the sidewall 24 of tank 12. The actuator handle 78 may be used to manually rotate the first segment 72. The first end 84 of the second segment 74 supports the actuator cylinder 46 at a central location above the lid 14.

The collar assembly 76 may include abase 8 8, first and second position stops 90, 92, at least one stop pin 94, first and second pin apertures 96, 98, and a stop member 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The collar assembly 76 is shown positioned adjacent to the controls assembly 48 of the first actuator arrangement 42. In other arrangements, the collar assembly 76 may be positioned at a location removed from the controls assembly 48. Positioning the collar assembly 76 at the same general location as the controls assembly 48 may provide a convenience for the operator of the tank assembly 10.

The first and second position stops 90, 92 define two specific rotated positions of the lid 14 relativeto thetank 12. The firstposition stop 92 defines afirstposition inwhichthe lid 14 may be arranged in alignment with and covering the top opening 28. By maintaining the stop member 100 in engagement with the first position stop 90, the operator may be able to determine that the lid 14 is in proper alignmnent with the top opening 28. The operator may then activate the cylinder 46 to move the lid 14 into sealing engagement with the tank 12. Similarly, maintaining the stop member 100 in engagement with the second position stop 92 may enable the operator to determine that the lid 14 is moved out of a position covering the top opening 28 so that the operator may access the internal volume 30 of the tank 12.

The position of stop member 100 in engagement with one of the first or second position stops 90, 92 may be maintained using the stop pin 94. The stop pin 94 may be inserted through one of the first and second apertures 96, 98, which are associated with the first and second position stops 90, 92, respectively, to hold the stop member 100 in a specific rotated position.

Many other configurations are possible to provide desired rotated positions of the lid 14 relative to the tank 12. For example, a pneumatic cylinder could be used to rotate the first segment 72 ofthe support member 70 with preset settings ofthe cylinder defining the desired rotated positions of the lid 14. Variations of the collar assembly 76 may be used to provide the same or similar functionality as described above for collar assembly 76. For example, additional stop members 100 and stop pins 94 may be used. Further, the position of the position stops 90, 92 may vary to provide the different rotated position of the lid 14 relative to tank 12.

The first and second segment 72, 74 of the support member 70 are shown arranged in a generally perpendicular arrangement with the first segment 72 arranged generally vertically and the second segment 74 arranged generally horizontally. In other configurations, at least a portion of the second segment 74 may include a portion that is arranged out of a horizontal plane, such as at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the vertically arranged first segment 72. Generally, the second segment 74 may be arranged at an angle relative to the first segment 72 to provide a non-parallel arrangement between the first and second segments 72, 74.

The first segment 72 of the support member 70 is shown extending from the top end 20 to the bottom end 22 of the tank 12. Alternatively, the first segment 72 may extend along only a portion of the total height of the tank 12, such as along only a portion of the sidewall 24 between the top and bottom ends 20, 22.

The actuator assembly 16 may be modified to accommodate different tank designs, such as a tank having an opening along the sidewall 24 of the tank 12 or at any other suitable location as an alternative arrangement to the top most end of the tank as shown with reference to FIGS. 1-11.

Further, the actuator assembly 16 may have many other configurations and alternative embodiments that may provide, for example, moving the lid into and out of engagement with the tank in the same motion as moving the lid into and out of alignment covering the opening.

The support member 70 may be configured with a hollow interior sized to retain, for example, cables, wiring, supply lines, and other features needed for operation of the controls assembly 48, actuator cylinder 46 or other features associated with the first and second actuator arrangements 42, 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, another example tank assembly 100 is shown and described. The tank assembly 100 includes a tank 112, a lid 114, and an actuator assembly 116. The actuator assembly 116 is configured to move the lid 114 relative to an opening in the tank as will be described in filter detail below. The tank 112 and lid 114 may include similar features and constructions as the tank 12 and lid 14 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The actuator assembly 116 may include an electronic actuator, such as an electronic linear actuator 146, to raise and lower the lid 114 relative to the tank 112.

The actuator assembly 116 includes first and second actuator arrangements 142, 144. The first actuator arrangement 142 may comprise aplurality of features that may help to move the lid 114 into and out of engagement with the tank 112. Second actuator arrangement 144 may comprise a variety of features that help move the lid, once out of engagement with the tank 112, into and out of a position covering an opening 128 of the tank 112. For example, the second actuator arrangement 144 may include a support arm having first and second segments 172, 174, a collar assembly 176, and an actuator handle 178.

The first actuator arrangement 142 may include a electronic linear actuator 146 and a control assembly 148. The electronic linear actuator 146 may be positioned adjacent to a top surface 132 of the lid 114. The electronic linear actuator 146 may include a motor 145 and an actuator 147 that is driven by the motor 145.

The electronic linear actuator 146 is operable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position the lid 114 may be positioned in sealing contact with the tank 112 (e.g., see lid 14 in contact with tank 112 in FIGS. 1-3) along a top opening 128. The extended position of the electronic linear actuator 146 may also be referenced in some arrangements as a rest position wherein no application of force or activation of the electronic linear actuator 146 is needed in order for the lid 114 to maintain sealing engagement with the tank 112. In other arrangements, the extended position of the electronic linear actuator 146 may provide application of a downward force to the lid 114 by the electronic linear actuator 146 to provide an improved seal between the lid 114 and the tank 112.

In a retracted or activated position, the electronic linear actuator 146 lifts or otherwise moves the lid 114 out of engagement withthe tank 112 (e.g, see raised position of lid 114 in FIG. 11).

The control assembly 148 may be mounted to the tank 112, such as along the sidewall 124 at a location that may be easily accessible by the operator. The control assembly 148 may include a plurality of control features used, for example, to operate the electronic linear actuator 146, provide an indication to the operator of a position of the lid 114 relative to the tank 112, and provide power usage and applied pressure information to the operator.

The actuator assemblies described herein may be operable to lift a lid relative to a tank opening, and return the lid to a position in contact with the tank to seal closed the tank opening. In some arrangements, the actuator assemblies may be configured to apply a force to the lid in a direction toward the tank. For example, an actuator assembly may be configured to lift a lid vertically out of contact with the tank to provide access to an opening into the tank, and also apply a downward force to the lid when the lid is in contact with the tank to create a seal between the lid and the tank. The downward force applied to the lid by the actuator assembly may be greater than a downward force applied solely by the weight of the lid.

In at least some arrangements, the weight of the lid alone is insufficient to create the desired seat between the lid and tank when the tank assembly is used for certain applications. For example, the weight of the lid may be sufficient when the tank assembly is used for liquid storage only (storage tank application), but a greater downward force applied by the actuator assembly is needed when the tank assembly is used for closed top red wine fermentation, open top red wine fermentation, closed top white wine fermentation, and variable capacity (i.e., with a Nitrogen purge) juice storage. Using an actuator assembly that can apply varying amounts of downward force to the lid provides the tank assembly with improved versatility in producing and storing many different types of wine, wherein multiple tank assemblies were needed previously.

While this invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. The invention, as described by the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention. The words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” 

1. A tank assembly, comprising: a tank defining a tank volume and having an opening defined therein; a lid sized to cover the opening in sealing engagement with the tank; an actuator assembly, comprising: a first actuator arrangement configured to move the lid into and out of sealing engagement with the tank; a second actuator arrangement configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment with the opening and a second position removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.
 2. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein a periphery of the opening is defined by a cylindrical shaped lip.
 3. The tank assembly of clain 1, wherein the opening is arranged on a top side of the tank.
 4. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the first actuator arrangement moves the lid vertically into and out of sealing engagement with the tank.
 5. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the second actuator arrangement moves the lid horizontally between the first and second positions.
 6. The tank assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support member arranged to support the lid vertically above the tank when the lid is out of sealing engagement with the tank.
 7. The tank assembly of claim 6, wherein the support member includes a first segment arranged vertically, the support member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis ofthe first segment.
 8. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the first actuator arrangement comprises one of a pneumatic actuator and an electronic actuator.
 9. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the second actuator arrangement comprises a handle for manually rotating a portion of the second actuator arrangement to move the lid between the first and second positions.
 10. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly further includes at least one position stop, the at least one position stop being configured to define at least one of the first and second positions of the lid.
 11. The tank assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator assembly includes first and second position stops, the first position stop defining the first position of the lid and the second position stop defining the second position of the lid.
 12. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly further includes at least one locking member, the at least one locking member being operable to maintain the lid in at least one of the first position and the second position.
 13. The tank assembly of claim 7, wherein the support member includes a second segment, the second segment extending from the first segment at a non-parallel angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first segment, the first segment supporting the lid and at least a portion of the first actuator arrangement.
 14. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the tank is a wine vat configured to retaining a volume of fermented grapes.
 15. A method of opening and closing a tank assembly, the tank assembly including a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly, the tank including an opening at a top side thereof, the actuator assembly including at least first and second actuator arrangements, the method comprising: moving the lid with the first actuator arrangement into and out of sealing engagement with the tank; and moving the lid with the second actuator arrangement between a first position in alignment with the opening and a second position substantially removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first actuator arrangement includes a pneumatic actuator, and moving the lid with first actuator arrangement including activating the pneumatic actuator.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the second actuator arrangement includes a support member, the support member including a first segment arranged vertically and a second segment extending from the first segment at an angle, the second segment supporting the lid and at least a portion of the first actuator arrangement, and the step of moving the lid with the second actuator arrangement includes rotating the support member about a longitudinal axis of the first segment.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second actuator arrangement further includes an actuator handle that extends from the second segment, and rotating the support member includes applying a rotational force to the support member with the handle.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein in the second position the lid is at least partially covering the opening.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second actuator assembly further comprises at least one position stop that defines at least one of the first and second positions of the lid, and a locking member that maintains the lid in at least one of the first and second positions. 